How Long Does Exterior Paint Last? Tips to a Long Paint Life ? A great exterior painting job can vastly improve a home’s curb appeal, while a home with a suparb exterior can quickly become a neighborhood eyesore. Educating yourself about exterior paint preparation, application, and maintenance is the best way to avoid having to repaint your home too often. A poorly done paint job can force you to repaint in just a couple of years, but knowing how to properly prep for painting your house exterior and care for it afterward can extend the life of the paint job significantly—possibly by up to a decade. Hayzee weathershield Emulsion Following Good Paint Prep Practices Preparation is the key aspect to achieving a long-lasting exterior paint job. Painting over dirty, moldy, chalky, or flaky surfaces will weaken the paint’s ability to adhere to the surface. If the paint cannot properly adhere, you will be left with an uneven paint job that is prone to chipping and flaking. Whether you are tackling the painting process on your own or hiring a professional, make sure the proper preparation steps are taken to ensure that your paint has the best chance of adhering successfully and remaining in good condition for a long period of time. WHAT KIND OF PAINT TO USE For most exterior painting jobs, acrylic latex paint is often the best choice. Acrylic latex paints are versatile because they can be used over either water- or oil-based primers. They don’t harden over time, which can help prevent blistering, and they don’t mildew as easily as oil-based paints. Additionally, acrylic latexes emit fewer VOCs, making them the more environmentally friendly way to go. Oil-based paints are still preferable for certain types of projects due to their ability to repel water and resist wear. Steel and iron railings as well as areas that get walked on frequently, such as steps, stoops, and porches, can benefit from oil paint’s strengths. HOW TO MAINTAIN AN EXTERIOR PAINT JOB https://www.instagram.com/p/ByU22lzAhJI/?igshid=1h2vpaxwiftce